Joel Dommett highlighted Amazon Prime Video’s Clarkson’s Farm as an exceptional television programme.
As the host of the National Television Awards for the sixth consecutive year, he shared insights about the show’s cultural significance before Wednesday’s ceremony.
The event will be broadcast live from The O2 venue in London, starting at 8pm on ITV1 and the ITVX streaming service.
Clarkson’s Farm follows Jeremy Clarkson’s agricultural ventures at Diddly Squat, located near Chipping Norton.
The programme is nominated for a new NTA award category recognizing documentaries with celebrity involvement.
Dommett noted the show’s broad appeal, emphasizing how contemporary television brings families and the nation together during significant cultural moments.
He characterised the current period as a notable time for shared viewing experiences.
His background, growing up on a Gloucestershire farm, provided him with agricultural knowledge that enhanced his understanding of the programme’s content.
Dommett regarded Clarkson’s Farm as among the most accomplished television programmes, citing its substantial viewership as evidence of its quality.
He also highlighted the show’s educational value in illustrating the challenges facing British agriculture.
Since the programme’s debut, Clarkson has become an increasingly vocal advocate for farming communities.
In November 2024, he joined a London protest against government proposals to introduce inheritance tax on agricultural land.
Dommett discussed the difficulties confronting the farming sector.
Unfavourable weather patterns throughout the year have significantly affected harvests for many producers, jeopardising their livelihoods.
He noted that limited government support has compounded these challenges, creating substantial uncertainty for farmers.
He expressed appreciation for the attention Clarkson has brought to these agricultural issues.
This year’s National Television Awards also mark the first time an exclusively female roster has been nominated for drama performance categories.
Dommett offered support for all nominees, noting the significance of this development as a long-anticipated milestone in the industry’s recognition of talent.
Regarding the awards, Dommett expressed respect for television personalities Ant and Dec while acknowledging David Attenborough’s competitive presence this year.
Despite his extensive experience hosting the ceremony, Dommett noted the enduring intensity of the evening.
He described the event as compelling to host and conveyed his engagement with live broadcasting.
He emphasized that audience voting contributes to the event’s dynamic nature.
The National Television Awards ceremony will be held at The O2 in London on September 8 at 8pm, broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX.
Clarkson’s Farm, featuring Jeremy Clarkson alongside Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland, and other cast members, has released five seasons available for streaming on Prime Video.